Team or Individual?

When kids are between the age of 6-10 there are some observations to make about how they prefer to associate with others. This arises especially with many activities...sports being one category. Without getting into generalizing too much, the temperament and resilience of your child can have a big impact on what activities they choose to tolerate. Please remember this isn't a "good" or "bad" thing, it's more about understanding your kid in order to help them develop a positive mindset and image of themselves. It might also help you when you are encouraging activities for your child.

The idea of how children prefer to associate with peers is often illustrated through various sports, groups, clubs, and even on the playground. Some questions can help guide us.

1. Does your child prefer larger groups while playing?
2. Does your child prefer singular or group sports? (soccer and softball or gymnastics and dance...just examples).
3. What do you notice about your child when there are more or less children around them.
4. How does your child tolerate competitive activites: in large groups and/or one on one?

The answers to these questions are not concrete. We know that children can change overnight, but what's important is to "tune-in" to you child. To do this we sometimes have to let go of our "image" of our child that is based on our own expectations or wishes. Remember that the esteem and resilient mindset is what you are aiming to foster in your child.

Kids who tend to be more individually oriented might enjoy some expressive projects. Here's an example, although it's quite new she's put some time and expression toward it: CoolKids